Major Gifts Officer

The Major Gifts Officer at the Lincoln Institute of California, you’ll lead fundraising for a growing nonprofit that develops student leaders and civic engagement on college campuses across California. You’ll work closely with the Network-wide Development Director to align strategy, share donor relationships, and coordinate outreach across the broader network. You’ll also manage the Institute’s full donor base, from first-time and small-dollar supporters to major donors. This role suits someone who enjoys building relationships face to face, securing commitments, and seeing their work translate directly into opportunities for students.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Network-wide Development Director on fundraising strategy, donor cultivation, joint asks, and coordinated campaigns

• Manage a portfolio of small, mid-level, and major donors. This includes finding prospects, scheduling meetings, building relationships, securing written commitments, and providing stewardship.

• Grow the donor base inside and outside Orange County

• Represent the Institute at networking events at least twice a month, including Lincoln Club Network gatherings and community and business events

• Plan and run donor events, including the annual Investors Dinner, from venue and invitations through attendee recruitment and follow-up

• Keep donor records accurate, track the pipeline and commitments, and report progress to leadership

• Work with program staff to turn student stories and program results into donor communications, newsletters, and board updates

• Support research and applications for foundation grants

• Coordinate and guide part-time development support staff

Experience

• 1+ years of experience in fundraising, development, sales, or relationship-based business development

• Experience meeting fundraising, sales, or revenue goals

• Confidence making one-on-one asks and working a room

• Strong writing skills for donor letters, proposals, and follow-ups

• Experience planning events

• Ability to collaborate across teams and manage a pipeline independently

• Familiarity with CRM or donor database tools such as Airtable, Salesforce, or Bloomerang (a plus)

• Existing relationships in the Orange County philanthropic or business community (a strong plus)

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

Benefits:

• 401(k)

• Dental insurance

• Flexible schedule

• Health insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off

• Retirement plan

• Vision insurance

• 1+ years of experience in fundraising, development, sales, or relationship-based business development

• Experience meeting fundraising, sales, or revenue goals

• Confidence making one-on-one asks and building relationships with donors at every giving level

• Strong written communication for donor letters, proposals, and follow-ups

• Event planning and coordination

• Strong organization, with the ability to manage a donor pipeline and deadlines independently

• Ability to work collaboratively with a Network-wide Development Director and the leadership team

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for local donor meetings and events

• Existing relationships in the Orange County philanthropic or business community

• Experience with CRM or donor database tools such as Airtable, Salesforce, or Bloomerang

• Grant research and grant writing experience

• Experience planning or running donor events, galas, or fundraising dinners

• Familiarity with email platforms such as Mailchimp or Constant Contact

• Interest in student leadership, civic engagement, or higher education